Strategy targets stranded cars

Police to put yellow tape on vehicles to reduce redundant checks.

Police to put yellow tape on vehicles to reduce redundant checks.

December 12, 2009|By C. DRAEGER THOMAS Tribune Staff Writer

SAWYER -- This winter drivers on wind-whipped snowy roads who pass abandoned cars may notice yellow police tape around them. It's part of a new Chikaming Township police strategy aimed at reducing redundant car checks and prioritizing police responses. Blizzardlike conditions typically cause numerous slideoffs with dozens of phone calls to area police agencies, Chikaming Police Chief Jim Stormont said. In the past, officers from Chikaming would check on stranded cars near I-94 and Red Arrow Highway to helped stranded motorists. But if another caller notifies 911 about the same vehicle police would be dispatched again to the same car, he said. Or, other agencies may respond to the safety check, Stormont said. "It's a way to expedite not checking on cars twice," said Stormont, adding "we can get to cars that really need our help." During a meeting on Friday with area police agencies, Stormont said he planned to share the new strategy with other Berrien County police departments. When Chikaming officers check on a car, they will wrap yellow police tape around the driver's side outside mirror, draping it around the back of the vehicle along the right passenger side mirror. Stormont said the yellow "barrier tape" notice will particularly be useful when the highway is almost at a standstill with slideoffs and wrecking vehicles are not immediately available to clear the roads of abandoned cars. "Hopefully the motoring public will see it" and not call dispatchers again, he said. "It's a safety thing for the public and for officers," he said. Stormont also is partnering with the township's Fire Department to create a new traffic control system at areas deemed public safety emergencies. Instead of parking a firetruck at the entrance of a public safety emergency, Stormont will use blinking message boards and cones to let drivers know to stay away from certain areas. The money for the emergency signs comes from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, he said. Staff writer Carol Draeger: cdraeger@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6234